Deep Truths Header
Deep Truths
"...for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
--1 Corinthians 2:10b

www.deeptruths.com Mo Letters from David Berg and the Children of God / The Family
Menu

The Great Tentmaking Exposé of Paul the Apostle

By James Gad, TSC, May, 19, 1970
Webmaster's note: This is one of the classes given in the very early days of the Children of God.
Paul Preaching
Paul "at work" peaching the Gospel

According to the systematic belief, Paul spent his entire life sewing tents. Acts 18:3 is the only verse they know of Paul. Before we delve into this cult of justified nine to five, let us look earnestly into the way of life Paul was dedicated to living and his philosophy toward working.

Paul didn't owe them anything for their carnal help because he gave them spiritual things (preached Gospel, 2:9).

As far as work goes, Paul commended the Thessalonians when they ceased working in the idol factories (I Thess. 1:9), and began to serve God (Jn.12.26). They also followed Paul and re­ceived great persecution for it (I Thess. 1:6). Paul did tell them to work with their hands (I Thess. 4:11), but also told them to walk after the traditions (2 Thess. 3:6) of Christ (John 15:19) We work with our hands out here. The conditions for working with your hands are set in Ephesians 14.:28:

Let us now consider Paul's activity when he first came to Corinth.

Acts 18 - Aquilla and Priscilla Facts:

This type of life is not compatible with the Systemites forty hour week job. Acts 18:3 says he was of the same craft (tentmaker) and he lived with Aquilla and Priscilla and WROUGHT (see use of the word 'wrought' in 2 Cor. 12:12, Hebrews 11:33, 2 John 8). It doesn't actually say he made tents, but it looks like he may have. BUT THIS WAS NOT HIS WAY OF LIFE. In verse 5, when the brethren from Macedonia came down, he was "pressed in the spirit" (convicted), and verse 6 shows, that he increased his preaching activity more than it was in verse 4. David committed fornication and murder with Bathsheba, but he repented. It is not a scriptural precedent for a way of life. The same does with Paul in this case. He repented and got on the ball and eventually started a church at Corinth (Acts 18:10). So if they say Paul was a tentmaker, tell them "Yea, but he repented. Have you?" "The laborer is worthy of his hire." "The workman is worthy of his meat." I Cor. 9:9-11, 14, Isaiah 23:18, Proverbs 28:8, Ecc. 2:26, Proverbs 13:22 --Job 27:17. Sock it to 'em with these hot verses plus Romans 15:26-27 their duty".

Let the wicked support the just!

Disclaimer: This article is not and was never an official publication of the Family International. It's from a typewritten class given in the very early days of the Children of God. I scanned it and converted it into digital format using OCR software. I tried my best to proofread it, but there still may be errors.


Comments

No comments yet.

Add Comment

* Required information
(never displayed)
 
Bold Italic Underline Strike Superscript Subscript Code PHP Quote Line Bullet Numeric Link Email Image Video
 
Smile Sad Huh Laugh Mad Tongue Crying Grin Wink Scared Cool Sleep Blush Unsure Shocked
 
1000
Enter the third word of this sentence.
 
Enter answer:
 
Notify me of new comments via email.
 
Remember my form inputs on this computer.
 
 
Powered by Commentics

Activated MagazineIf you'd like more inspirational material,
subscribe to Activated! Each issue deals with topics that count, such as:

- Faith
- Love
- Prayer
- Success with People
- The Future
- Marriage
- Parenting

...and much more--all in terms that are relatable and easy to follow. Personal accounts from active Christians around the world confirm that God is still alive and working just as wonderfully as ever on behalf of those who love Him.

Put that power to work for you! Connect with the source of love, happiness, peace, freedom, contentment, and the rest of the best life has to offer--God, who the Bible says is love. Change your life! Change your world! Get activated!

Visit www.activated.org

Email E-mail this web page to your friend! Email
Enter recipient's e-mail:


Did this page make you either mad, sad, or glad? Please tell me about it! E-mail: webmaster@deeptruths.com


Back to Home of Deep Truths